Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has said he has spoken to the journalist he called a “good girl” – sparking complaints of sexism – and the pair have “had a laugh about it”.

The Hoops boss said he was “saddened” by the reaction to his comment made during a tense post-match interview following his team’s dramatic 3-1 win over Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday.

The incident led to women’s groups calling on Rodgers to apologise, branding it “casual sexism”.

On Tuesday, Rodgers said: “Sadly for me, in society now we are either looking to offend or find something that is offensive to try and pin on to people.

“I find it saddening as much as anything because one, I am not that type of person, I can never be that, it’s not how I’m built.

“But also, it saddened me for society now because people are just trying to find ways to somehow bring you down if they can. It’s not nice.”

Rodgers said he had spoken to the BBC reporter, Jane Lewis, and she “wasn’t offended”.

He added: “We had a laugh about it. She will continue to ask me awkward questions, I’m sure.

“But I see her every week and we have good relations, like I have with most people in my life, whether that’s professional or social.”

Ms Lewis had earlier addressed the incident, saying: “I don’t believe there was any offence meant by Brendan Rodgers – and for my part, there was none taken.”

The incident occurred during a radio interview for BBC Sportsound.

Rodgers was asked about the Cinch Premiership title race, with Glasgow rivals Rangers currently sitting at the top of the league with a two-point lead.

He said: “There’s a story been [written] about this group, but we will write our own story.”

When asked to elaborate on what he meant, Rodgers said: “No, no, you know exactly what I mean.”

Ms Lewis replied: “I’m actually not sure I do exactly know what you mean.”

But Rodgers then wrapped up the interview by saying: “Done, good girl, well done.”

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A spokesperson for the Scottish Feminist Network said: “We thought dinosaurs were extinct.”

The group said Rodgers’ “throwaway comment” risked encouraging other football fans to behave in a similar way, “demeaning women they work with or engage with”.

The spokesperson added: “Rodgers has a responsibility to set a good example to players, managers and fans when engaging with women trying to do their job. Own up Brendan, apologise to Jane.”

For Women Scotland also called on Rodgers to apologise, adding: “It’s depressing that casual sexism is still so embedded in sport.”

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